Epstein: Cubs 'welcome' MLB's Maddon investigation

PHOENIX (AP) Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein says the team is totally fine with Major League Baseball checking into whether there was anything improper about the way it hired new manager Joe Maddon.

''As we said last week, there was no tampering whatsoever. I'd rather they investigate so we can clear our names and move on from this quickly. We're giving our full cooperation,'' Epstein said.

The Cubs announced Oct. 31 that Rick Renteria had been fired after one season as manager and that Maddon was hired.

Maddon opted out of his contract with Tampa Bay soon after Rays executive Andrew Friedman left the club to take over the Los Angeles Dodgers in mid-October. Epstein recently said the Cubs checked with MLB to be sure Maddon was OK to talk with other clubs before negotiating with him.